Introducing

Introducing The Multifaceted British-Ghanaian Rapper… ShaSimone

Friday 14 July 2023
Words Spindle

British-Ghanaian rapper and songwriter ShaSimone is ready to make her mark in the industry with her new music era. The young talent first got her start in the industry in with an uncredited collaboration on Dave and James Blake’s Mercury Prize-winning single ‘Both Sides Of A Smile’ – which has generated over 33 million streams. Since then, ShaSimone has continued to rise within the music sphere by working with Kwengface on his hit track ‘Pop’ and releasing her own immersive music, including her seven-track EP “SIMMA DOWN.” Backed by a sound that blends the rich elements of hip hop, UK rap and her Ghanaian heritage, ShaSimone is an artist that always keeps music listeners on their toes. We were able to chat with the rising artist about her latest single ‘Played Out,’ working with Dave and James Blake and so much more. Check out our full interview below.

Hey ShaSimone, how are you? How is the start of your summer going?

Hey, it’s going well! Been so busy with shows I recently performed at the Roskilde festival in Denmark.

Congratulations on your latest single, ‘Played Out’! Absolute banger. Can you take us through the creative process for this record?

The creative process wasn’t anything too crazy laughs. Just me, my pad and my pen. I heard the beat and just started writing the first thing that came to me.

Speaking of releases, will you be dropping an album or EP this year? And if so, can you spill some tea on what you’re currently working on?

Right now, my main focus is on singles. I dropped my ep less than a year ago, so I still want it to marinate. This current season for me, is dropping as many bangers as I can.

How would you describe your new music era in five words or less?

Fresh. Exciting. Vibes. Different. Lit

Instagram: @shasimone

In 2021, you made massive waves in the industry when you appeared on Dave and James Blake’s track ‘Both Sides Of A Smile.’ What was it like to collaborate with two of the UK’s biggest artists? How did you three end up linking up?

We met via a mutual producer. It was such an incredible experience, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it.

Did they offer any advice or wisdom on how to navigate the industry?

Yes, so much! Before we started working on both sides of a smile, we actually spoke for hours. It was a really special moment.

Last year, you dropped your first EP, SIMMA DOWN, which was fantastic, by the way! Can you take us through your thought process while crafting this firey project? What themes or messages did you want listeners to take away?

With my EP, I wanted to be really vulnerable, which is something I’m not quite used to because I came to realise that there is so much power in vulnerability. I wanted to be honest in the songs, and I wanted my listeners to gain insight into who I am as an artist.

How have you evolved as an artist since releasing SIMMA DOWN?

I think my music now has definitely changed since the release. Content, lyricism, production etc. As an artist, you have to be constantly developing yourself.

Instagram: @shasimone

Before breaking out into the industry, was there an artist or album that tipped your interest in music?

I wouldn’t say one person in particular as I listen to a lot of music. I’ve always been a lover of music and grew up listening to everything from 80s funk to soul, house, hip hop, hi-life, R&B etc.

Which three artists would you love to collaborate with?

1: JHus
3: Lola Brooke
4: Missy Elliot

What are your top three goals for the remainder of 2023?

Top 3 goals would be to get a number 1
Have a viral song
Global publicity.

Make sure to listen to SHaSimone’s latest single ‘Played Out’ here or below.